Harry Expresses Displeasure as Video of Meghan Smoking at Invictus Games Goes Viral

Prince Harry was visibly upset when a video capturing his wife, Meghan, smoking at the prestigious Invictus Games in the Netherlands surfaced online.

The event, founded by Prince Harry himself, is a multi-sport competition dedicated to wounded, injured, and ill soldiers and veterans.

This year marked the fifth edition of the games, held from April 16th to the 22nd.

As avid supporters and patrons of the Invictus Games, Harry and Meghan attended various events over the weekend to demonstrate their solidarity, engage with athletes, take photographs, and revel in the competitive spirit.

However, a moment of controversy arose when Meghan was caught on camera smoking in an outdoor seating area after the day's events had concluded.

The brief video clip, which quickly garnered millions of views following its weekend release, depicts Meghan seated at a table with others, casually smoking and releasing puffs of smoke.

While smoking is not an uncommon sight among celebrities and public figures, this incident sparked significant online backlash due to several crucial factors at play.

Being a senior member of the British Royal Family at the time, Meghan's actions raised eyebrows as they contradicted the royal family's public image and values.

Notably, Meghan had previously condemned smoking, highlighting the health risks associated with cigarettes on her now-defunct lifestyle blog.

This perceived inconsistency led many to view her smoking as hypocritical given her past statements.

In today's digital age, where smartphones with advanced cameras are omnipresent, public figures must remain cognizant of how their behavior may be interpreted by the public.

The video swiftly circulated on social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit, eliciting mixed reactions.

While some defended Meghan's right to smoke, others criticized her lack of discretion, particularly at a renowned event like the Invictus Games, where constant media coverage was inevitable.

Critics seized upon the incident to question Meghan's judgment in attending a health-focused event while engaging in a habit deemed detrimental to health.

The headlines underscored her failure to set a positive example and cast doubt on her decision-making in such a public setting.

The repercussions of Meghan's actions extended beyond mere public perception, with concerns emerging about potential damage to charities and organizations endorsed by Meghan and Harry.

As the video continued to gain traction on social media, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex acknowledged Meghan's smoking but refrained from further comment, citing a request for privacy during the trip.

However, this response only fueled the ire of critics, who argued that members of the senior royal family, who receive public funds, cannot selectively choose moments of privacy or publicity.

In the aftermath of the smoking video's release, online discussions proliferated, with some users unearthing past images of Meghan smoking during her royal tenure, implying a pattern of behavior that should have been rectified.

Moreover, comparisons were drawn to previous instances of Prince Harry smoking at prior Invictus Games, highlighting a perceived double standard in the scrutiny faced by Meghan.

Supporters of the Duchess viewed the incident as another instance of unfair media scrutiny, echoing sentiments of bias and prejudice.

As the debate surrounding Meghan's smoking controversy rages on, the incident serves as a reminder of the scrutiny faced by public figures and the delicate balance between personal choices and public expectations in the realm of royalty.